4 days in Venice & Why You Need More than One Day

by Stephanie · Published June 10, 2019 · Updated March 18, 2022

It’s one of the most magical places in Europe. And I’m here to show you why you need more than one day in Venice. With its sparkling Grand Canal, lovers floating by in gondolas, and hundreds of alleyways to discover there is a wealth of things to do in Venice.

I encourage everyone I speak with to spend more time then the guide books suggest for this wonderful floating city. So, I’ve come up with a 4 days in Venice itinerary. There’s more than just the popular tourist sites, there’s history, art and green spaces you may not realize. Discover what to do in Venice in four days.

10 Things to do in Venice

Get Lost

Yes, you read that right, get lost! I’m a strong believer that you need to set time aside in every place you explore to simply wander. It’s during this time that you’ll most likely stumble upon a wealth of gems, like local cafés, charming shops and restaurants, and off-the-beaten-path sights. With over 100 islands and over 400 bridges you can easily spend a whole day getting lost in Venice.

Venice is full of these hidden gems. Away from the touristy areas you’ll find quiet squares, grand statues and alleyways just oozing charm. And don’t worry, if you have a map, you’ll never really be lost, and you’ll always find your way back to the Grand Canal or one of the main sights.

Explore St. Mark’s Square

It’s on the top of everyone’s list of things to do in Venice when they visit and for good reason. You can easily spend half a day exploring St. Mark’s Square, maybe even more, there’s that must to do. St. Mark’s Square has been around for over 1000 years and is home to St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Campanile (bell tower) and a large arcade lined with wondrous cafes and stunning shops.

With a brilliant façade of a mix of Gothic and Byzantine architecture and an interior full of chandeliers, gold mosaics and incredible history, a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica is a must. With free entrance it’s great for budget travelers to Venice. And if you want to see more there is a treasury and museum that are only a few Euro each. If you are planning to visit during peak season, line up extra early or save yourself the time and book skip-the-line tickets in advance for only €2.

If you’re looking for an epic view over Venice then visit St. Mark’s Campanile. This towering 300 feet tall bell tower is directly in front of the Basilica. For €8 you can take the elevator to the top observation deck and enjoy 360 degree views of this magical city. And in the summer months, it’s open until 9pm so you can enjoy a wonderful sunset, it’s the perfect way to spend one of your 4 days in Venice.

Visit Libreria Acqua Alta

If you’re a fan of fantasy then you’ll fall in love with Venice’s best book shop, Libreria Acqua Alta. It’s one of the best bookstores in Europe, for many reasons. Hidden away down one of Venice’s winding alleyways you’ll find its contents spilling out into the courtyard. It’s full of charm, character, oh, and books!

But there’s so much more to this bookshop. Every space has something to see, from a full size gondola to a staircase made of old books. The name itself means, book store of high water – due in part to the flooding Venice receives. So, it’s no surprise many books are pouring out of bathtubs. If you’re looking for a souvenir from Venice consider picking up a gem from here. He’s got books in various languages, vintage postcards, and even a cat or two.

Gondola Ride

It is one of the most enchanting things to do in Venice. Gondolas have been a mode of transportation in Venice for centuries. While they were once the main means of getting around they are now reserved for special occasions by locals or carting around tourists.

Most gondola rides roughly 30 minutes and costs €80. If you’re on a budget you can take a ride on one called a traghetti that is used to cross the Grand Canal by locals. It is only €2. The catch? It lasts less than a minute. But if you’re looking for a deal, you can grab a tour through Viator like I did. For roughly €46, the tour included a walking tour and a gondola ride.

Walking Tour

I recommend taking a walking tour in any new place you visit. You’ll get acquainted with the place, learn some interesting facts, and find some hidden gems. If you’re traveling on a budget there are a few options for free walking tours in Venice, most of which work on a tip basis or pay what you can.

I booked a walking tour that was combined with a gondola ride. It was a great option to combine both and a decent price. The guide was local and I learned a great deal – like did you know that Venice is home to four leaning towers? Plus we went to some hidden gems that might have been hard to get out without a guide.

Cruise the Grand Canal

Venice’s Grand Canal has been called many things, but one of my favourites is “the most beautiful street in the world”. Winding its way through Venice for nearly 4 kilometers, lined with over 150 buildings and crossed by four grand bridges, you must cruise down the Grand Canal during your trip to Venice.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money either as it can easily be done on public transportation – the vaperetto or water bus. I encourage you to take the whole trip during the day but also at sunset. Sunset over the Grand Canal shows the pure wonder and magic that Venice holds. With the sun setting, the water glimmering and the colourful buildings striking, you’ll be swept off your feet.

If you do plan to use the vaperetto more than three times a day during your visit I suggest you purchase an ACTV Tourist Travel card. They give you unlimited travel on the vaporetti and you can choose from one day (€20), two days (€30), and three days (€40) cards. While airport transfer is not included you can add it for €6 extra for a single fare and €12 for an airport return ticket.

Explore Venice’s Green Spaces

This may surprise you but Venice is more than water, alleyways, and bridges. And one of my favourite things to do in Venice is to explore its green spaces. While there are numerous hidden gardens and parks throughout Venice there are two you must visit.

One is the Public Gardens (Giardini Pubblici) that are located in the Castello district. This beautiful city park has cats wandering its paths and is also home to various events and festivals throughout the year. Another is Giardini della Biennale, a 20 minute walk from St. Mark’s Square. Located right on the water its home to cats and sculptures. A few others to check out are Giardini di Ca’ Rezzonico, Parco delle Rimembranze, and Giardino della Marinaressa.

Explore Churches

If you love history, art, and architecture then you’ll love exploring Venice’s churches. Many are home to stunning paintings, brilliant stain glass and leave you with pure wonder. There are over 100 churches in Venice and many are worth visiting. And with 4 days in Venice you can add a bunch of amazing churches to your itinerary.

A few spectacular churches you should add to your Venice itinerary are the following. Santa Maria della Salute, completed in 1687, is located right along the Grand Canal and is full of white marble and amazing paintings. Basilica di San Giovanni e Paolo is one of Venice’s largest churches and has breathtaking ceilings. And Chiesa di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, it’s home to some of famed Venetian artist Titan’s masterpieces as well as his tomb.

A Night at the Opera

Out of all the things to do in Venice a night at the opera may not be something you would have considered. But opera has been a staple in Venetian life for centuries, and it was here that the first public opera house opened in 1637. The main opera house is the world famous Gran Teatro La Fenice, dubbed The Phoenix after its multiple fires and rising from the ashes again and again.

If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path things to do in Venice then you should definitely attend the opera. If you’re looking for grand then head the The Phoenix. Tickets are around €40. But if you’re looking for a more intimate and budget friendly one try Scuola Grande di San Teodoro. Tickets average €25.

Peggy Guggenheim Museum

Venice is full of amazing museums and if you love art and history you’ve got to make time for a few. One that should be on your list is the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. Set in an 18^th century palace the museum is home to modern art and set right on the Grand Canal you’ll love the views too. And a great spot to spend time in is the avant-garde Nasher Sculpture Garden.

With 4 days in Venice you may be planning on visiting a few of Venice’s museums, then consider grabbing a Museum Pass that offers admission to eleven different museums, prices start at €26.40. A few other museums of note are; Ca ‘Rezzonico, Glass Museum of Murano, Museum of Natural History, and the Doge’s Palace.

Visit the Islands of Murano & Burano

A great day trip from Venice is to visit the islands of Murano and Burano. Venice is home to around 100 islands and you’ll need one full day just to visit these two. Burano is a 40 vaporetto ride from central Venice. It’s easy to spend a few hours taking in the island’s colourful painted houses, wandering the charming alleyways and checking out some beautiful lace – of which the island is known for.

Murano should definitely on your list of things to do in Venice. Located a 40 minute boat ride from the center, Murano is known for its stunning glass works. It’s also home to beautiful churches, more colourful buildings, and be sure to check out one of the glass making demonstrations.

4 Days Venice Itinerary

Day 1 – Exploring Venice’s main tourist attractions (St. Marks’s Square, including tower and basilica, Rialto Bridge, cruise down the Grand Canal, and check out a museum.)

Day 2 – Take a walking tour of Venice, take a gondola ride, visit one of Venice’s parks and a church or two. End the day with a night at the opera.

Day 3 – Visit the islands of Murano and Burano

Day 4 – Enjoy your last day in Venice by getting lost among the alleyways. Visit the magical Libreria Acqua Alta and wander into whatever church and café you stumble upon.

Related Post: 2 Weeks in Northern Italy Itinerary

Where to stay in Venice

Hotel San Salvador

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotel in Venice then check out Hotel San Salvador. With a great location, five minutes from the Rialto Bridge and ten minutes from St. Mark’s Square, Hotel San Salvador has the perfect location.

The square closest to Hotel San Salvador is home to restaurants, cafes, and even bank machines. The hotel offers charming rooms with Wi-Fi, private en-suites, a terrace, helpful staff, and Murano glass chandeliers. Book your stay at Hotel San Salvador today.

Book Your Venice Accommodation Now!

How would you spend 4 days in Venice?

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4 days in Venice & Why You Need More than One Day